Fans got a special MCU surprise recently will the exciting and surprisingly emotional "Marvel Studios Celebrates The Movies". Along with welcoming fans back to the theaters and reminding them of the memorable MCU moments they experienced in the past, it also gave a tease at what's to come in the cinematic side of Phase 4.
While the first footage of Eternals was a highlight, many were talking about the reveal of the title for the next Black Panther movie which will be called Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Immediately, the title stirred emotions in fans with its clear resonance with the passing of star Chadwick Boseman. The perfect title serves as a tribute to Boseman as well as a hint at the evolution of the hero Black Panther.
The tragic death of Boseman in August of 2020 sent shockwaves through Hollywood. The talented young actor seemed to just be beginning the most exciting chapter of his career with stunning performances as well as holding the iconic role of T'Challa in the MCU. In the aftermath of his passing, many wondered if and how the Black Panther franchise would continue on without him.
Writer-director Ryan Coogler confirmed the planned sequel would go on as Boseman would have wanted it and various cast members have talked about the movie serving as a tribute to Boseman's legacy. Despite rumors, Marvel boss Kevin Feige confirmed they would not be recasting the role of T'Challa which suggests the character will die within the MCU. Now, with the reveal of the title, there is a hint to how the movie will address that and why it is the most fitting way to proceed.
The release of Black Panther continued to cement T'Challa, who premiered in Captain America: Civil War, as one of the most interesting heroes in the MCU. However, the movie also had the opportunity to introduce Wakanda on the big screen which blew fans' minds. In a universe filled with sorcerers and intergalactic characters, Wakanda became the most interesting aspect of the MCU because of how rich with history and culture it felt.
At the end of the movie, Wakanda abandoned its secret existence to open itself up to the world, but it became clear that the sequels should continue to explore this fascinating world. In fact, there is so much to explore that Ryan Coogler also began developing a Disney+ series about Wakanda. It is a place filled with so many interesting concepts and characters, including the history of the figure known as Black Panther.
It is explained in Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther that the position of the Black Panther is something that has been passed down for generations since Wakanda's beginning. They serve as a protector and warrior for the people of Wakanda. T'Challa was not the first to take the position and he was never meant to be the last. The idea of who will become the new Black Panther will no doubt be at the center of the next movie.
There have been rumors of M'Baku or Shuri taking up the role, but the new title might suggest a more powerful solution that speaks to T'Challa's legacy while showing that the title is more than just one person. Perhaps it will be Wakanda as a nation takes up T'Challa's cause. Black Panther showed the last of the heart-shaped herbs being destroyed which means the next Black Panther might not have superhuman abilities. This could convince characters like Shuri, Okoye, M'Baku, and Nakia that it will take more than just one of them to become Black Panther. With the impact of his passing, the various characters of Wakanda could come together to honor him and continue his legacy.
This would also give a great opportunity to address how T'Challa embodied what a hero should be. The first movie also focused on the passing of the torch as T'Challa struggles with being Black Panther as well as king following the death of his father, T'Chaka. However, the movie also reveals that T'Chaka was not at honorable as T'Challa thought and made some terrible mistakes. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever could explore how others follow in T'Challa's footsteps of making Wakanda a better place and fulfilling its true potential in the world.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier just explored the idea of what kind of person can follow in the steps of Captain America. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever can ask a similar question but answer it in a more powerful way. Perhaps it is not about one person filling the shoes of T'Challa but rather all the people he has inspired with his strength, love, and honor. The feeling of loss over Boseman's death will likely never go away, but Black Panther: Wakanda Forever could be a beautiful tribute to the man and a promise that what he helped create will continue on in a powerful way.